Enjoy 10 Classic Japanese Food Finds in Roppongi

Roppongi is a bustling entertainment district in Tokyo that boasts beautiful attractions and thriving nightlife, attracting hordes of natives and locals. Apart from fashion and entertainment, it is well-known for housing numerous eateries and cafes. It is filled with so many hidden gems that has everything for everyone.

If you love trying out different tasty Japanese dishes, make sure to check our list of 10 classic food finds in Roppongi:

Sushi: Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi Hills

Sushi is one of the most famous dishes in Japan, which has garnered global appeal. Savor the finest Edo-style sushi at Sukiyabashi Jiro, located in the Roppongi Hills. It is owned by the renowned chef Takashi and has been awarded three stars by the Michelin Guide. The restaurant has maintained the tradition of Edo-style sushi and boasts a single sushi course called Omakese sushi. The chef selects all the sushi to be served, and also, it is observed if it is being eaten in the order it got served. They serve the freshest sushi possible at the best time of the season in the best possible manner.

Yakitori: Nogizaka Torikou

Yakitori is a popular Japanese food known for its traditional taste everywhere. For tasting the finest yakitori while in Tokyo, there is no better place than Nogizaka Torikou. It is a premium restaurant located near Roppongi that specializes in real Japanese, top-quality yakitori. The restaurant has a large preparation area where the yakitori is cooked on a huge grill. There are around 40 different yakitori varieties, and guests can try many chicken parts, including the heart, neck, and thighs. It also has an impressive drink menu with over 100 wine selections from all over the world. The restaurant is a bit pricey, but you can expect great quality and taste here as it is one of the best yakitori-selling restaurants in Tokyo.

Ramen: AFURI Roppongi

Ramen is the most famous and classic noodle soup dish that is eaten by everyone in Japan. Boasting monochrome design, friendly staff, and appetizing noodle menu, AFURI is a must-visit restaurant to try great ramen in Roppongi. At this restaurant, the ramen bowls are served with two different options of broth: the shoyu (soy sauce) and yuzu (citrus junos). Both of these come with yummy hot broth made with chicken, fish, and seaweed. The noodles are delicate, served with freshly grilled chāshū pork and ajitama egg, dashed with yuzu peel. The must-try item is the Afuri signature yuzu broth as it gives the lemon touch and refreshing flavor.

Yakiniku: Ushigoro S. Nishiazabu

Yakiniuku or Japanese BBQ is one of the most popular foods in the country, which is a must to have while you are in Japan. Ushigoro S Nishiazabu is a nice and chic restaurant in Roppongi that is known for its premium beef in addition to beautiful interior and amazing hospitality. They serve, melt-in-your-mouth high-quality yakiniku in five different courses. This extremely fresh meat, lightly grilled on the surface, may have the lovers believing that it is truly an epicurean fantasy. Their courses cost from 14,000 JPY, which might be pricey for some people but are a good value for money. If you visit this restaurant, try their creative menu items like wagyu sushi.

Shabu Shabu: Seryna

Shabu-Shabu is a popular Japanese dish that is served with thin-sliced beef and vegetables, and tofu, etc. Seryna is one of the best restaurants that has made customers rave about their high-quality food in Roppongi. It is an old-fashioned restaurant that reminds the ancient glory days of Japan. In one of their course menu, the server first drops the crab legs into the bowling pot to ensure that the umami taste of the crab seasons the broth. Once the legs float over the surface, they are served with the thin slices of beef, beautifully marbled with the fat snowflakes. The meat they serve literally melts in your mouth, satiating all your meat hunger pangs. These are accompanied by the tofu skin, vegetables, and noodles, and multiple dipping sauces like spicy scallion, ponzu, and sesame.

Izakaya dishes: Shirube

Those looking for Japanese dining on a budget, izakaya (Japanese pub), is a great option for them. Sits in a respectable corner of Roppongi, Shirube serves Izakaya classics with a nice twist. Try their biggest draw seared mackerel, which people see getting prepared before their eyes. Other izakaya specialties include Tokyo-style oden with broth and amiyaki-grilled meat and seafood. People can wash everything down with one of their impressive sakes or cocktails. It is better to make a reservation or come before the peak time as this place is quite famous.

Vegetarian dishes: Kudaka

The vegetarian scene has immensely progressed in recent years, and there are different places that serve vegetarian food in Roppongi. Kudaka is one of them, serving different kinds of vegetarian food items that are prepared using freshest ingredients. They get the vegetables daily from their contracted farms. Also, this place offers 20 different kinds of sake that can be enjoyed with the food. Some of its famous vegetarian dishes are stir-fried vegetables, bean salad, asparagus saute, simmered vegetables, etc.

Soba noodles: Shinki

Soba, a Japanese noodle dish made from buckwheat, can be enjoyed hot or cold, depending on one’s preferences. Of all the major noodle types in Japan, soba is considered the most artisanal of them all. For a more refined soba experience, you need to head to Shinki. Located near Roppongi Station, Shinki is more concerned about making guests enjoy the natural taste and fine texture of their soba without any variation. They make the soba noodles using the ingredients obtained from farmers to put the right amount of chewiness. There is also a nice variety of side dishes available to accompany.

Tempura: Tempura Fukushima

For 40 years, Tempura Fukushima is known for serving superb, Edo-mae style tempura, located a few-minutes walk from Roppongi Station. The tempura served here are some of the lightest and freshest you’ll ever taste. They procure the fresh seafood from the Toyosu Market to serve healthier tempura. People can sit on the counter and watch the chef preparing refreshing tempuras using unique recipes and ingredients. The interesting thing about this place is that it is a smoke-free restaurant, allowing diners to enjoy the action without worrying about the spreading of fried food smell. It is a favorite place among locals and tourists alike for casual gatherings and business meetings.

Desserts and coffee: Tsubakiya Roppongi

If you are in a mood for a cup of coffee, head to this beautiful establishment. Tsubakiya serves vacuum-method brewed coffee, which can be enjoyed with numerous desserts. The waitresses here dress in cute maid attire and serves the amazing coffee in the porcelain cups with tube cake or fruit cake. You can either come here with a friend and chat till the afternoon or come alone and enjoy a nice cup of coffee while getting lost in the book.